At the Eko Hotel in Lagos on Monday, March 4, a memorial service honouring the late Herbert Wigwe, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings, was attended by prominent politicians and entrepreneurs.
The late Wigwe was hailed as a visionary leader and guide to the younger generation, and they all paid their tributes to him.
Recall that on February 9, 2024, in the United States, Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, son Chizi, and former group chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Abimbola Ogunbanjo died in a helicopter crash.
The memorial service, which was organised by Access Bank was titled, “Celebrating Herbert Wigwe- a professional legacy.”
A tangible sense of loss and sadness permeated the air as business executives joined the mourners in saying goodbye to a visionary leader who had made a lasting impression on the corporate world.
A tangible sense of loss and sadness permeated the air as business executives joined the mourners in saying goodbye to a visionary leader who had made a lasting impression on the corporate world.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Aliko Dangote, the president of the Dangote Group, Olayemi Cardoso, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), were among the dignitaries in attendance.
Tributes from some of the dignitaries in attendance
Aliko Dangote’s Speech
In his speech, Dangote declared that he would honour the late Access Bank co-founder by naming the refinery’s largest road after him.
Dangote claimed that Wigwe was one of his mentees and that the late banker was crucial to the Refinery project’s successful completion.
Amidst tears, the CEO of Dangote Group mentioned that Wigwe was always there to support him and assist in overcoming any obstacles that would have prevented the Refinery from being completed.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Tribute
During the event, Sanwo-Olu gave a speech in which he stated that Herbert Wigwe would always be remembered for his outstanding support of his administration.
Sanwo-Olu claims that Wigwe made a special effort to support Lagos’ expansion and advancement.
The governor stated that the state would see to it that Wigwe is immortalised, pointing out that he was born in Lagos.
Olayemi Cardoso’s Tribute
Cardoso said in his eulogy that he had many enlightening and motivational conversations with the late Wigwe.
The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria stated that he could tell the outgoing bank CEO was working with the apex bank to address his nation’s economic difficulties because he was truly worried about them.
